Once near extinction, bison walked the tightrope of survival. If not for the foresight of a few individuals including Theodore Roosevelt, the American bison could have been gone forever. In 1956, 29 bison were brought from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska and released in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park – named in honor of the conservationist president. Today, small herds of bison roam in both units of this amazing North Dakota park – examples of the power of conservation. Photo by R. Honeyman, National Park Service.

As you drive or hike through western North Dakota, the gently rolling hills open up dramatically into the varied and colorful layers of the badlands. This is the same landscape that Theodore Roosevelt traveled to in 1883 to hunt bison and later spent time on his ranch. Today, a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park lets you explore the rugged badlands, prairies and forests that Roosevelt once called home. Photo by Yang Lu (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Happy birthday to President Theodore Roosevelt! As President, Roosevelt established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, four national game preserves, five national parks and 18 national monuments on over 230 million acres of public land. His words and actions were a massive contribution to the conservation movement and cemented his legacy as a champion of public lands. Photo of Theodore Roosevelt Island (part of George Washington Memorial Parkway in D.C. and Virginia) by Katherine Scott (www.sharetheexperience.org).

President Theodore Roosevelt established the National Bison Range on May 23, 1908, when he signed legislation authorizing funds to purchase suitable land for the conservation of bison – making it the first time that Congress appropriated tax dollars to buy land specifically to conserve wildlife. Since then, the National Bison Range in Montana has played an important role in the successful recovery of these magnificent animals. Today, 350-500 bison call this refuge home. Photo courtesy of Bob Wick.

When living on the North Dakota ranch that would one day be a national park named after him, Theodore Roosevelt observed huge towns of prairie dogs. He said, “Prairie-dogs are abundant, and are the most noisy and inquisitive animals imaginable. They are never found singly, but always in towns of several hundred inhabitants.” This one looks like it could use a little time alone. Photo at Theodore Roosevelt National Park by Jeri Goldstein, National Park Service.

Even under an ominous sky, the summer landscape of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is lovely and charming. The unique rock formations of the Little Missouri Badlands rise like wrinkles in the Earth, creating vibrant meadows and colorful grassland alcoves. Wandering through this remarkable park, visitors can encounter ancient fossils, peaceful streams and wonderful wildlife. Make sure it’s on your summer travel list! Photo by National Park Service.

The Painted Canyon at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is an amazing landscape of colorful cliffs and rolling grasslands. The rugged beauty of the North Dakota badlands have captured the hearts of millions of visitors – including President Theodore Roosevelt, who owned a ranch in the area. With stunning scenery, bountiful wildlife and an impressive history, one trip is never enough. Photo by Josette Hayes, National Park Service.

Happy birthday, President Theodore Roosevelt! One of the most influential figures in the history of American public lands, Roosevelt’s legacy is recognized at national parks, wildlife refuges, wilderness areas and national forests across the country. At Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota (seen here), visitors can learn more about this fascinating man, and see the land and wildlife he loved. Photo by Kim Wehner, National Park Service.

The wild beauty of the North Dakota badlands inspired a young Theodore Roosevelt to build a ranch and create his personal western getaway near the Little Missouri River. Despite the failure of his attempts to raise cattle, the land enchanted and challenged Roosevelt, forever changing the way he approached life. Visitors to Theodore Roosevelt National Park can experience the unique landscape as Roosevelt did and honor his memory. Photo by Abhilash Itharaju (www.sharetheexperience.org).

If not for the foresight of a few individuals including Theodore Roosevelt, the American bison could have become extinct. Hunted to the edge of annihilation, by the early 20th century only a few small herds remained. In 1956, 29 bison were brought from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska and released in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Here they roam freely on 46,000 acres and number in the hundreds. Photo by National Park Service.